Thanks for giving away the secret! You have done a fantastic job by providing your readers with both free and paid options.

Of course the choice is personal, but I don’t think you will find anyone that has over 10,000 followers complaining about your strategy.

IMHO, the paid option is great for anyone that is looking for other social media addicts (like myself). For example if you are targeting bloggers or website designers the paid tool will be great and save a valuable chunk of time. But if you are targeting umbrella dealers, you might want to save your cash.

I enjoyed the read.
@Ileane

I think if you take a better look at programs like Tweet Adder you’ll see their value. I know much has been said about how they are not really targeted or add any value. But if you have look at the link how to cut through twitter spam and get targeted results in twitter search you’ll see it’s quite easy to be targeted, then its up to you to build relationships with your friends. I have had success from this.

But yeah, use all the free services you can, just think about the opportunity cost, sometimes it’s worth it sometimes it’s not.

Thanks for the comments Dan!

I agree that there are many paid services out there meeting a variety of needs that are more valuable than their free counterparts. The trick is in distinguishing which are worth the money and when is free an equally fine option. Frankly, I think I’ve spent my last nickel on Microsoft Office when Google Docs does most everything I need.

As for Anderson’s book, I didn’t pay anything. It’s readily available at http://bit.ly/vgN2x for your reading or listening pleasure. Free of charge.
.-= Dan Hutson´s last blog ..Client-Vendor Relationship … in the Real World =-.

But granted, yes there are a bunch of great free services out there that can give you a lot of value. But if you want to do more than just play around there are some great paid for services that are very much worth every dollar.

On side note how much did you pay for Chris Anderson’s book “Free”?

Also, I don’t buy the argument that quality, ease of use and quick response to technical problems are the sole province of paid products and services.

I see you’re using WordPress (as do I) as your publishing platform. Most people using it don’t have to spend a dime, and it’s a great product. My kids buy Webkinz stuffed animals but the real service is the online community in which they participate. That ongoing experience doesn’t cost them anything. I’ve never spent anything on Google, ping.fm, Facebook, LinkedIn, Wikipedia, etc. etc., and yet I derive great value from these products.
.-= Dan Hutson´s last blog ..Client-Vendor Relationship … in the Real World =-.

But yes eventually the paid ones will dominate, just because of quality, ease of use, and quick response to technical problems. Unlike free where you almost get no support!

Cheers Symbian